Chagres River in Expedition Kayaks

The Panama Canal is much more than a canal to transit vessels. To create it the Gatun Lake was created in 1928 by building a damp at the Chagres River before it encounters the Atlantic Ocean. Every time a Ship cross the canal toward the Pacific Ocean at Pedro Miguel Locks or toward the Atlantic Ocean at the Gatun Locks 52,000,000 gallons of fresh water are bleeded from Gatun Lake. It used to be the world biggest artificial lake. With the creation of Gatun Lake many mountain tops were turned into islands. It offers endless channel possibilities to scout. In its shores covered by densed tropical forest you will find all kind of exotic flora and fauna. This was discovered by the Smith Sonian Research Institute that operates the famous Tropical Research Center of Barro Colorado since 1940 In 1668 Henry Morgan attacked the town from the land and launched a surprise attack on Fort Santiago. The city was at the mercy of Morgan's men who launched an orgy of looting, debauchery and torture. After Portobelo lived through this reign of terror, the town was attacked by other buccaneers and pirates such as Englishmen William Parker in 1601 and Edward Vernon in 1739. As a result of the repeated pirate attacks Portobelo's annual trade fairs were forced stop. Spain abandoned the Isthmian route for the longer but more secure one around Cape Horn. The golden age of Portobelo ceased. Our guides are trained in kayak navigation skills, first-aid and CPR.